Called to Go: Following Jesus on Mission

Luke 9:1–2; Mark 1:38–39

Jesus didn’t just call His disciples to follow Him—He sent them out. As athletes, we’re called to follow Jesus not only in our hearts but into the lives of others on mission.

I. Jesus Knew His Mission—and So Should You
Mark 1:38-39 “And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’ And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.”

Right from the start, Jesus knew why He came. He didn’t stay in one place. He didn’t settle where He was popular. He moved from town to town, bringing truth, healing, and hope.

What’s your mission? Is it to win? To break records? To go pro? Those goals are fine—but they can’t be the main thing.

Jesus’ mission was clear: preach the kingdom and bring salvation.

You are not here by accident. You’ve been placed on your team, in your school, in your sport for a reason. It’s more than your stats—it’s about your soul and your witness.
    •    John 17:18 – “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”

II. Jesus Took His Team With Him
Luke 9:1–2 “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.”
Jesus didn’t go it alone. He trained, equipped, and sent His disciples. He was always multiplying.

That’s discipleship—living your life in such a way that others catch the flame.

Your coach doesn’t just want you to run drills—he wants you to lead. When you know the system, you teach others. When you play hard, you inspire. When you trust God, others watch and wonder.

Jesus wants you to go beyond being a fan in the stands to being a follower on the field.

    •    2 Timothy 2:2 – “What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

III. The Mission Isn’t Always Easy
Let’s be honest—going out wasn’t always glamorous for the disciples. They left home, left jobs, left comfort. In Luke 10, Jesus sends out seventy-two others and tells them not to take extra gear.

Why? Because faith grows in dependence.

And maybe some of you have already tasted this. You said yes to Jesus, and now you feel a little tension—maybe at home, with your teammates, or with the pressure to fit in.

But don’t miss this: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 16:25

Obedience may cost you—but it’s worth it. Always.

    •    Are you more concerned with your platform or His purpose?
    •    Are you using your sport as a way to serve—or just to succeed?

IV. God Provides When You Follow His Lead
Now look at Luke 5:1–11—the fishing trip that changed Peter’s life. They had fished all night and caught nothing. They were tired. Probably frustrated. Maybe even broke. But Jesus says, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets.” (Luke 5:4)

Peter obeyed—and the nets began to break with fish.

God doesn’t always provide before we obey. Sometimes the blessing comes after the step of faith.

Hear this: God will take care of you when you follow Him. You won’t always know how or when—but you’ll know it’s Him.

    •    Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

V. The Gospel Is Still the Mission
The disciples were sent to proclaim the kingdom. That hasn’t changed. You don’t need a seminary degree to share the gospel. You need a changed heart and a willing spirit.

The gospel is this: Jesus lived the life we couldn’t live, died the death we deserved, and rose from the grave so we could have eternal life.

And whoever believes in Him—will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

Have you trusted Christ with your life and future?

If not, today can be your day. If you have—who are you telling?
    •    Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel…”
    •    Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples…”

VI. Multiplication Is the Endgame
In Luke 10, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples. Many believe these were disciples made by the Twelve. They didn’t just follow—they reproduced.

This is what Jesus wants from you. Not just to be changed—but to help change others. It might be one teammate. One friend. One sibling. But that’s how the kingdom grows.
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Howard Hendricks once said: “You can impress people from a distance, but you can only impact them up close.”

What’s Your Next Step?
    •    Are you living on mission—or just going through the motions?
    •    Who are you intentionally leading closer to Christ?
    •    What keeps you from sharing the gospel?

If you’ve never placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, now is the time.
Confess your sin.

Believe that He died and rose again for you.

Invite Him to take over your life—and follow Him on mission.
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Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for showing us what it means to live on mission. Jesus, thank You for calling us—just like You called the disciples. Help us be faithful to follow, bold to speak, and humble to serve. We ask for courage to step out, grace to keep going, and hearts that burn to bring others to You. And Lord, for anyone here who doesn’t know You yet—I pray You would draw them in today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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